Registan Square functioned as the center of the ancient city Samarkand of the Timurid dynasty, which is in present day Uzbekistan. In Persian, Registan means desert or sandy place. The square is significant because it exhibits cultural traditions and exemplifies Uzbek architecture and urban development. People gathered at this public square to hear royal proclamations announced through enormous copper pipes called dzharchis. The square is also framed by three madrasahs (Islamic schools) with distinctive Islamic architecture. 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added Samarkand’s Registan Square to the World Heritage List in 2001. The Square, which was built 600 years ago, played a significant role in the development of Islamic architecture in the region, from the Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent. 

The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented the gift to the United Nation on 19 September 2017. Under-Secretary-General for Management Jan Beagle and President of Uzbekistan Shakvat Mirziyoyev were present at the ceremony.